Reaching Another Level

SSOOOOO much has happened since even Emily last blogged... and it's all happened so fast that honestly, I haven't even had time to download my pictures but we will get them up this week since we are now in Altenberg, Germany! It's located 2 hours from Prague, Czech Republic. It's located directly on the border and the highlights here are the Half train station/ Half Doner Kebab restaurant that, until we got caught stealing internet and the police MADE our current hotel get it, was the only place you could receive internet. There's a super market, and a little mini-shop located across the street from another hotel that we stayed at called Bjorskis. It's one of those small, has EVERYTHING corner stores, that smells like rotten eggs when you walk in. Again, to make that clear, THAT's a highlight! Oh, and there's the track! But in all honestly, there are a TON of walking trails all over and it's actually really beautiful countryside. We're also only about 45 minutes from Dresden, Germany.

After my 13th finish in Nations cup I was set for a great start number (#3) in the morning. Unfortunately it didn't help me very much and I ended up 22nd. More than sub-par. It's hard to go into a race and know that yeah, I'm the 22nd female in the WORLD! but on my end... that's second from last. Not so exciting, especially when I had (what I thought) were two good runs. I was more frusterated and dissapointed than mad. But I moved on. I was ready to race in Altenberg! BUT... there were other plans.

That night we were told that since Emily and Kate hadn't been from Womens start in Altenberg the race-off was to be Monday morning at 8 a.m. and then we would run back to the hotel, pack our sled boxes and rooms up and make the 6 hour trip north to Altenberg. SO that's just what we did. The race ended up Julia Clukey, Emily Sweeney, Megan Sweeney, and Kate Hansen. Which essentially means Kate and Emily have switched spots for the next two world cups. And that gives us the chance to POSSIBLY qualify over the next two weeks, but if that doesn't happen then there will be another race-off AFTER the Lillehammer, Norway race to determine the Olympic team.

We are taking it one day at a time. One start, one run, one finish at a time. It's tough but both Emily and I know that whatever is meant to happen, will. We have faith that if we just keep ourselves together and push hard it's all going to work! So keep us in your thoughts and prayers this week and hope that we make it down the Berg safely!!!!!